Religion in Stone

Halebid

Sixteen kilometres from Belur, lies the ancient capital of the Hoysala Empire. Then known as Dwarasamudra, the capital was founded in the early 11th century AD and raided by the armies of the Delhi Sultanate in 1311 and 1327. Deserted afterwards, Dwarasamudra came to be called Halebid or the Old Capital.

Of the many buildings of this ancient city, only a few have survived Muslim invasions. Notable among them is the imposing Hoysaleswara Temple dedicated to Lord Shiva.